Gossip

Yes, despite the previous example, gossiping can be a positive experience The general definition of gossiping is “evaluative talk about a person who is not present”

Sometimes gossiping may aid and promote a healthy or positive reputation or even resolve conflicts For example, what if you were to share the support and contribution of a colleague, and give praise and recognition for their qualities like their resourcefulness, work ethic, punctuality, or efficiency?

The cost of negative workplace gossip can be high. Research shows that individuals gossiped about are more likely to experience mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality They are also less likely to trust others, reducing their capacity to contribute and achieve.

Negative gossip left unaddressed in the workplace can erode a sense of safety and trust This can reduce employees' willingness to contribute, share knowledge, and seek help It can also lead to low morale, high turnover, and a decrease in productivity. The work environment is likely to turn toxic, not to mention the potential for legal action

If you’re unsure whether you are engaging in negative or positive gossip, ask yourself, if the person you were talking about was standing there with you, would these words be shared? You may also ask, is what I’m saying necessary, or is it supportive or inspiring of growth and development?

If you don’t want to contribute to such negative gossip, here are some phrases to consider

I appreciate how hard that must be for you. It may be best to raise this with them directly. Acknowledge their experience and its significance, and provide clear guidance on how they could manage this situation Depending on their situation, you may direct them to avenues like their line manager, HR, or EAP.

I’m surprised. I can’t say that I have experienced them in that way. Let them know that you hold an alternative view to theirs. This will likely challenge their perceptions, and make them less inclined to continue saying similar things

That's very uncharacteristic of them. I wonder what's happening. Use language that does not question the facts of what they are sharing Rather, use language that challenges their perception, while also promoting a more positive and workable solution.

But what if you are the one being gossiped about? This isn’t an easy situation to experience, but you do have a choice in how you respond and present yourself

Ask yourself this very question: how do you want to show up? What is the outcome you are looking for here? How are you going to achieve this?

Don’t discount what is being said immediately As hard as it may be to hear, there may be some truth or something to take away. This is in no way condoning the actions of others However, we all have the capacity for personal and professional growth

Perhaps, when you’re passionate about a project, you listen to others’ ideas less Maybe you tend to shut down opinions that don’t align with yours

Further, think about how you want to respond Chances are if you raise your voice, approach them in a public setting, and use humiliation tactics, you will look worse than they have Perhaps you may choose to ignore them; this can help this piece of gossip not gain momentum and ultimately come back on the one who started to spread it. There is much truth and wisdom in the words, “this too shall pass” While waiting for that to come, there are steps you can take on a dayto-day basis to make sure that you show up at work and reduce the incidence and consequences of negative gossip

Remember workplace gossip is not just an individual’s issues. If you are concerned or impacted by workplace gossip, there are avenues of support available

Make sure to upline your experiences to your line manager, Work Health and Safety team, or Human Resource team so they may actively take steps towards addressing the issue and protecting yourself and others from similar experiences.